Aromatherapy is a very useful tool for many reasons you most likely don't know about! Scents help boost your mood and have been proven to increase productivity, concentration and have many health benefits.

The Nose Knows

Smell is the strongest of the senses and influences brain activity. The cliché "The nose knows" definitely comes to mind. Our nose and sense of smell connects us to the areas of the brain that process emotion and learning. This is one of the reasons why smell will trigger a memory or remind us of something or someone. Whenever I smell my dad's cologne it takes me back to my childhood and makes me smile.

Essential oils not only help improve job performance but also health, meaning you are less likely to take sick time. Essential oils have anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and using them in an environment where there are a lot of people can help to keep germs in check. Inhaling essential oils activates the hypothalamus, the area of the brain which sends messages to other parts of the body. A simple whiff of an aroma can cause many changes in the body. It can activate the immune system, affecting blood pressure and stimulating digestion as well as create a more positive, productive mood.

Aromatherapy on the Job

You can keep scents to yourself in office space. Just place a drop or two of an essential oil on a cotton ball and take a whiff when you need an energy boost. If you have a private office, add 1-6 drops to an electric diffuser or create a mister by adding a few drops of essential oils to a spray bottle filled with distilled water. Or, for a group benefit, put a bowl of hot water with a few drops of essential oils in the middle of the table at your next brainstorming session.

Here are the six scents I recommend for use at home or work to boost productivity, mood and more!

1. Lemon. This scent promotes concentration and has calming and clarifying properties that are helpful when you're feeling angry, anxious or run down. Lemon also has antiviral and antibacterial properties and can help fight sore throats and colds by boosting the body's immune system and improving circulation.

2. Lavender. This essential oil has calming properties that help control emotional stress. Lavender has a soothing effect on nerves and can relieve nervous tension and depression as well as treat headaches and migraines. Spray some on your pillowcase and sheets before bed and have a most restful night’s sleep!

3. Jasmine. Like lavender, jasmine it is also used to calm nerves, but this oil is also commonly used as an anti-depressant because of its uplifting capabilities that produce feelings of confidence, optimism and revitalized energy.

4. Rosemary. This is the perfect Monday morning pick-me-up. In addition to improving memory retention, rosemary has stimulating properties that fight physical exhaustion, headaches and mental fatigue. Rosemary can also be used topically to relieve muscular aches and pains.

5. Cinnamon. The stimulating properties in cinnamon can help fight mental fatigue and improve concentration and focus.